triffid

The dealer will very likely not be able to help you.

You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request.

It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale.

The dealer WOULD be able to help, but most likely, he will not want to do it, as it is a pain in the ass for him and causes him loads of work for the sale of just one (imported car). Other considerations:

1. Since the model would be imported, there would be - as others said - huge import taxes on it. Most car companies avoid them by having some kind of production plants within Thailand, if only for assembly. Look at the prices of all the German imports, I would love a BMW, but I am not willing to pay more than I would in Europe for the same car.
2. Since the model would be imported, there might be another issue and that is getting the car certified by the land transportation office. The car might NOT have the certificates needed within Thailand in order to get a licence plate. Similar problem btw in Europe when you import a car from the US that has no EU certification.
3. Depending on the make of the model, if ever you have a problem with the car (accident, engine issue), you might have to wait for weeks for the replacement parts (i.e. specially designed body parts) to be imported into Thailand and again pay extra taxes.

Just an example from Mazda:

• Most models sold here (i.e. the CX3/5 models) are manufactured / assembled somehow here and are slightly cheaper than in Switzerland (where I know the prices).
• I have seen a MX-5 (roadster cabrio) which is imported and the price was around double what I would have to pay in Switzerland, but at least it is certified
• Was talking with the dealer about importing a RX-8 (as I have been driving that car in Europe), but he told me that the price would be at least 3-4 times what I pay in Europe with all import and certification needed - and specially for the RX-8, since it has a rotary engine ("Wankelmotor" in German), I would not find any mechanic able to solve problems.

Therefore, stick with the available and certified models here in thailand

Thank you for your comments/info. I think I am going to give up on this idea - especially as I am quite happy with my present choice of the CX-3.

The dealer will very likely not be able to help you.

You are into quite a complex world of management accounting decisions over what models are available in certain markets. They certainly don't make these decision-making factors public. And they don't import individual models on request.

It can be as simple as where the model is manufactured but many other factors come into play. My understanding is Suzuki Vitaras sold in Thailand are manufactured in Indonesia. Certainly the Suzuki Grand Vitara was on sale in Thailand until quite recently. You may find one which is only a year or two old for sale.

It's the all-new 2016 Vitara that's very much caught my eye - the older models don't match up to the Mazda for me. But thanks for your comments.

What are the basic considerations if one wants a car where the brand is well-established in Thailand but the particular model isn't officially imported? I'm not talking about expensive exotica, rather something like a Suzuki Vitara.

Would the dealer co-operate / facilitate or not?

Will dealer be reluctant to service and/or hour the warranty?

Are there prohibitive taxes etc imposed as compared to the models on the dealers' official list to specifically deter such imports?

There are probably many other considerations too.

(I'm focussed just now on buying a Mazda CX-3, but the Suzuki Vitara looks to me a very tempting alternative).

My 1st choice now is the CX-3, followed by the XV - both with the top specs available. (Unless something exceptionally suitable for me appears on a six-month horizon for sale in Thailand). However I have still to see the Kia Soul at its Bangkok showroom - maybe that will cause me to change my mind on the flamboyant styling of the rear.

Ah there's also a new small Toyota out soonish, if you can wait 6 months or so.

Just seen the photo you posted further on, and I must say I don't the front - at all. So I won't wait for it

Frankly Id be surprised if airlines do offer reasonable rates on extra weight; I've been shocked twice when I was forced to pay for additional weight. Of course their rates may be very different if the weight is bought in advance.

I checked it out myself last year. Example: BA is GBP60 for the first extra bag in economy. And it's only GBP5 more if you dont pre-book.

Given that the price premium for flying business (round trip) with BA would be around GBP1300, that price for one extra case is quite attractive. You still get the direct flight either way.

My horrendous rates were onParis-Bangkok Thai Airways & SriLankan business class. You refer to 'per bag' - isn't there a max weight for the extra bag?

I'll check BA to see if they'll also combine premium out with business back.

Thanks for the info.

In case this turns out the best option for me financially, so that I get a premium economy return ticket, does anyone have a view on which airline has the best such seats? Best for me means comfort and legroom and weight allowance - assuming I'll buy the supplementary weight - it has nothing to do with food, entertainment and general pampering.

Frankly Id be surprised if airlines do offer reasonable rates on extra weight; I've been shocked twice when I was forced to pay for additional weight. Of course their rates may be very different if the weight is bought in advance.

EVA but they will also sell you PE out and Business back

Sounds good. I'll check on their specifics. (I do wish they'd get their website up-to-speed, it's even worse than Thai Airways.)

Does EVA have the upgrade bidding system - online. If so, how long in advance. I can try to check with them, asking here in case you know already from experience.

In case this turns out the best option for me financially, so that I get a premium economy return ticket, does anyone have a view on which airline has the best such seats? Best for me means comfort and legroom and weight allowance - assuming I'll buy the supplementary weight - it has nothing to do with food, entertainment and general pampering.

Frankly Id be surprised if airlines do offer reasonable rates on extra weight; I've been shocked twice when I was forced to pay for additional weight. Of course their rates may be very different if the weight is bought in advance.

Re Isaan Farang's plug for the new Pajero, as I've mentioned in my previous comment on this vehicle, like him I too dislike the body design.

Etihad has an offer to bid for a price for a business class upgrade. They quite aggressively advertise it, too.

However the bid is not guaranteed.

Don't know if you're aware of this but Emirates has a 30kg baggage allowance in economy class too.

Actually I can get 30kg on Etihad and Qatar too because I have their card.

About the bidding on Etihad please see my comments above in reply to another post.

Does Emirates have the possibility and decent savings to combine economy out and business back - vs business return tkt? Does it have premium economy. (I wouldn't mind a Dubai stop-over to catch up with people I know there.)

I will have flexibility with dates if there is that last minute auction possibility. Don't know anything about this. Are there particular airlines I should keep an eye on for this? If in the end nothing comes up would I lose anything by having missed the chance to get early, i.e. months ahead, booking deals?

The auction is for business class seats which are offered to people holding an economy ticket to bid on as an upgrade, usually about 2-3 days before the flight. It doesnt involve changing your dates. The offer usually includes guidelines on how much you will probably need to bid.

Quite a lot of airlines seem to do it now but there is no guarantee at all of any such auction being made on any particular flight. It's pot luck depending on how full the flight is. Whilst you do get a business class seat you dont always seem to get all the business class extras like better food, drinks, chauffeured limo, fast-track passes, bonus miles etc. Depends on the airline. You would need to check carefully that you would get the business class luggage allowance too.

Thanks for the info. The system as you describe it wouldn't suit me because if I didn't win such an auction or if it wasn't even offered I be stuck with the economy flight and overweight on luggage.

But I'll ask around the airlines for their practice and rules.

Subaru XV top model has been reduced to just over 1 million....

The Nissan X-Trail is far bigger than the Mazda CX-3

Maybe the 'new' Nissan Juke ? coming soon

2017-Nissan-Juke-NCI-1.jpg

my wife loves the Juke. i call it a joke, hate the headlights and front end look. BUT i like the look of that new juke.

why haven't you put the CX5 in your list if you have the x-trail? i've had a 2 litre CX5 for 2 years now. great car. the only problem i have had is the battery which i replaced 1 month ago. 2 years for a battery is about normal. i like the CX3 but its a bit small in the luggage area for me.

I like the Juke for its distinct look and performance but its interior seems cheap and plasticky when compared with the CX-3. (By the way the photo of the 'new Juke' that someone posted above doesn't seem accurate - the look hasn't changed so radically.) I haven't got the CX-5 because the CX-3 is slightly better in all respects except space, and I don't need the space. I considered the X-trail because it's good looking and has great reviews.

If boot and rear space is irrelevant, I'd definitely go for the CX-3. It looks great, has a capable 2l Sky-active engine, has fantastic handling, and has a very refined interior for the price.

If you need 4wd, I'd go for the XV. Nothing else comes close in the ~1m price range. Even with the additional ground clearance, the XV sticks to the road like glue. I love driving Subarus on the windy roads back in New Zealand. Wonderful cars. 2016 has seen a slightly improved interior, although it's still a little on the plasticy side in appearance.

We seem to have very similar leanings here, and in fact the cx-3 and the xv are presently my #1 and #2 choices. The xv is there for its 4wd, i.e. the road-holding more than the off-roading. But do you not find it under-powered?

Thank you for the many helpful comments and info.

My thinking and comments point to CX-3 as #1. Handling, styling, interior said to be at least as good ass the CX-5. And as I said I don't need the space. On the other hand I wouldn't reject the space if on all other criteria the car was great for my needs. And the X-trail and XV as joint #2. Why not the CX-5? Well I prefer their profile view, and for the reasons I stated just now for choosing the CX-3. But it's not ruled out as another joint #2

I had included the bigger X-trail & XV because I read rave reviews for the X-trail and because the Subaru has the solid reputation for sturdy manufacture. I also like the look of both cars. However both have CVT which, other things being equal, seems inferior as a driving feature. (I did drive the XV and was a little disappointed by the power.) On the other hand the XV is very competitively priced now in Thailand for what it is - not least the 4wd, ground clearance (flooding?) and the off road capabilities.

I'm 5'9". I live just 70% of the year in Thailand. Of that time the driving would be 80% in the city and the rest on road trips. So the only space I need is to chuck a bag in the back for at most a fortnight's trip

The main reason I want an suv not a car is that I'm no longer young and now want the most comfortable seat height to get into and out of the car for mostly short city journeys. I ruled out the Pajero and other such pick-up based vehicles because I want the comfort and fun of a car's interior and engine.

There was a strong recommendation for the Kia Sorento or even the Hyundai Tucson. But both these being sold in Thailand are still the 2015 models and apparently the 2016 models are huge improvements. Finally, I notice nobody has had anything to say about the Kia Soul. (For me it's only the ugly rear of the car that is its negative point.)

I ruled out the Pajero and other such pick-up based vehicles because I want the comfort and fun of a car's interior and engine.

I was at the Mitsu garage today and the boss asked me to have a drive in the new Pajero, the comfort will be on par with any of the vehicles you have mentioned but perhaps some prefer benzene as opposed to diesel.

Its not a pretty machine on the looks, but for comfort and the super smooth change on the auto box its well up with the rest on the list

I bought a Pajero 3-4 years ago. Among other things it was noisy engine. Are you saying the new Pajero is such a huge improvement? Or that it isn't based on a pick-up's chassis? But in any case I think the exterior styling is not to my taste.

"well put together and 'premium' as possible for the budget I have"

subaru forester

Captiva?

but about all this is car meny people tell you in previose topic.

You guess some change for few month?

Just try it and buy

Haven't check on the Captiva. But the Forester seems hopelessly underpowered. (XT is ok but out of my budget).

All the airline websites I use allow me to choose the class for each sector, but online booking agencies often seem more restrictive. Search engines usually only let you search for one class for all sectors.

Reading between the lines it seems that the OP is above all looking for increased baggage allowance (I know the feeling: every year I go with two completely empty cases and return with 50+kg, being my business class allowance and my FF extra allowance). If so it would be worth looking at the prices charged by airlines for one extra suitcase: some of them are surprisingly cheap when booked in advance and surely cheaper than paying the surcharge for business class.

Another option might be to look at companies that auction their unsold business class seats a few days before travel, though of course this runs the risk of not getting what you want. You would need to check that the discounted fare gets you the full baggage allowance, of course, but this is always explained in the fare rules.

I will have flexibility with dates if there is that last minute auction possibility. Don't know anything about this. Are there particular airlines I should keep an eye on for this? If in the end nothing comes up would I lose anything by having missed the chance to get early, i.e. months ahead, booking deals?

Yes, I too go with little and come back with lots of stuff I've bought.

The better food and attention in business isn't worth that much to me. What I appreciate is the space and comfort of the seat and the bed if it's a night flight.

I'm surprised to nots the comment about the premium seat being not much better than the ordinary economy.

Ideal for me would be to find a premium economy out on a day flight - assuming the seat gives me noticeably more comfort and legroom than normal economy. And a business high weight allowance back. On balance I'd rather a long plus short sector for the return rather than the halfway changes on the middle east airlines.

If someone knows an airline with daytime flight out and night or daytime back that would be first online site I would look in.

My wife liked the Kia Soul but the model they import is quite low spec for the price they want. Despite the website showing it, it doesnt come with the moonroof.

It was too small for me but sounds like the CX3 is perfect for you. Both dealers I went to were offering healthy discounts off the top spec model.

Actually the Kia Soul they have now is the top spec and 2.0L engine. I really like it in every way except the look of the panel, and the too big and showy lights at the back.

I assume the discounts you refer to were on the Kia; if the Mazda, that's good news!

Thank you for the many helpful comments and info.

My thinking and comments point to CX-3 as #1. Handling, styling, interior said to be at least as good ass the CX-5. And as I said I don't need the space. On the other hand I wouldn't reject the space if on all other criteria the car was great for my needs. And the X-trail and XV as joint #2. Why not the CX-5? Well I prefer their profile view, and for the reasons I stated just now for choosing the CX-3. But it's not ruled out as another joint #2

I had included the bigger X-trail & XV because I read rave reviews for the X-trail and because the Subaru has the solid reputation for sturdy manufacture. I also like the look of both cars. However both have CVT which, other things being equal, seems inferior as a driving feature. (I did drive the XV and was a little disappointed by the power.) On the other hand the XV is very competitively priced now in Thailand for what it is - not least the 4wd, ground clearance (flooding?) and the off road capabilities.

I'm 5'9". I live just 70% of the year in Thailand. Of that time the driving would be 80% in the city and the rest on road trips. So the only space I need is to chuck a bag in the back for at most a fortnight's trip

The main reason I want an suv not a car is that I'm no longer young and now want the most comfortable seat height to get into and out of the car for mostly short city journeys. I ruled out the Pajero and other such pick-up based vehicles because I want the comfort and fun of a car's interior and engine.

There was a strong recommendation for the Kia Sorento or even the Hyundai Tucson. But both these being sold in Thailand are still the 2015 models and apparently the 2016 models are huge improvements. Finally, I notice nobody has had anything to say about the Kia Soul. (For me it's only the ugly rear of the car that is its negative point.)

I want to travel in August or September from Bkk to either London or Paris in premium economy and return a couple of months later in business (or premium economy if offered with very generous checked luggage allowance). Can anyone point me to airlines which allow and offer the best deals for such mixing of class of travel? Or a site which will be best to browse online for this sort of thing?

Kia Sorrento

Sent from my R2D2 using my C3P0 manservant

Didn't know it fitted my budget but I'll look into it.

Around 1.5m and Kia will give heavy discounts if you can haggle well enough. It is, in my opinion, the best family car for the money here.

Sent from my R2D2 using my C3P0 manservant

Just been looking at on the internet and thai Kia. It seems a new and re-designed 2016 model is out in America-Europe but Thailand is still offering the old model. I wonder if they will soon have the new model. I don't need a family sized suv but equally I don't object to it as long as it meets my other criteria better than alternative suv s.

Mazda CX 5 is no bigger than X-Trail. I have CX 5 with 2.5L engine and its great.

I don't care about space. And the CX-3 is said to be at least as well-appointed and providing better performance than the CX-5. Finally I prefer the look of the CX-3.

I like the look and almost everything else about the X-trail - except its CVT, which the Mazda s avoid.

when in doubt, rent the models you're interested in for the weekend. Take a nice trip, see how you feel after the ride.

Allows time to test the features, comfort and control placement. And an added feature, particularly if the rental has some miles (km's) on it, how it holds up to worse case usage.

Sounds an excellent idea - if it's easily done, i.e. with the respective dealers/showrooms, which I doubt.

Kia Sorrento

Sent from my R2D2 using my C3P0 manservant

Didn't know it fitted my budget but I'll look into it.

Subaru XV top model has been reduced to just over 1 million....

The Nissan X-Trail is far bigger than the Mazda CX-3

Maybe the 'new' Nissan Juke ? coming soon

2017-Nissan-Juke-NCI-1.jpg

So Juke finally went for plastic surgery and got rid of the ugly frog-face...

Now it looks just like all the other crossovers almost can't tell the difference.

My objections to the present Juke are 1) Its interior is not remotely as premium as the CX-3, and 2) I'm not entirely ok with its look.